Seaside Award
Raising standards across UK beaches
The Seaside Award is a mark of quality management for beaches across the UK. It works towards sustainable development of beaches through strict criteria that includes water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety.
Where the Seaside Award flag is flown, you are guaranteed to find a clean, attractive and well managed coastal stretch.
Like the Blue Flag Award, Seaside Awards are only applicable during the bathing season and must be renewed annually, where they are evaluated by a National Jury made up of experts in public health, tourism and other relevant fields. However, unlike the Blue Flag Award, dogs are allowed on Seaside Award beaches – unless local regulations prohibit them – but they must be under proper control.
Seaside Award beaches
Northern Ireland currently has nine holders of the Seaside Award.
The winning beaches for 2023/24 are Ballycastle Beach, Ballygally Beach, Ballywalter South Beach, Brown's Bay Beach, Carnlough Beach, Cloughey Beach, Groomsport Beach, Millisle Beach, Waterfoot Beach.
Select a flag to find out what facilities are available, tide times, safety information and activities. The award season runs from June until September, so please be aware that some facilities may not be available during the winter season.
Apply for an Award
Beach operators must meet a range of criteria to gain a Seaside Award.
To find out how to apply for a Seaside Award or to raise an issue about a winning beach, please contact us.